First Impressions
The Steel Forge impressed everyone. Will it step on the toes of the Evoke Hysteria?
Tamer Elbaga (Lefty)
Style: Tweener
RPM: 330 rpm
PAP: 5 & 3/8 up
Average Speed: 18.5 mph (at release)
Axis tilt: low
Axis rotation: medium/high
Test Equipment: 14 Pounds
Layout: 50 x 5 x 45
Bryan Hoffman (Righty)
Style: Stroker
RPM: 280 rpm
PAP: 4 1/2 & 1 1/2 up
Average Speed: 18.5 mph (at release)
Axis tilt: high
Axis rotation: medium
Test Equipment: 14 Pounds
Layout: 50 x 5 x 45
Tyler Church (Righty)
Style: Power Player
RPM: 425 rpm
PAP: 5 1/2 & 1/2 up
Average Speed: 19 mph (at release)
Axis tilt: med
Axis rotation: medium
Test Equipment: 14 Pounds
Layout: 50 x 5 x 45
“Keep in mind that coverstock accounts for 70% of ball reaction, but the core creates the dynamic shape of the reaction. Your driller will alter the shape to suit your game.”
Pattern
THS: 44ft, 25.8ml. 12:1 ratio
Sport: TBD
Specs
The Motiv uses the Detonator symmetric core inside the Propulsion MXV Pearl coverstock.
15 pound = RG of 2.47 diff of .055
14 pound = RG of 2.49, diff of .056
Coverstock finish: 5000 LSS
Tweener’s Take
This is an interesting one, the Steel Forge. I have to say from the first ball, I knew this was a ball motion that would resonate with me personally. I did after 2 shots touch the cover with a very light 1500 grit scuff by hand as I can see I wanted a smidge more traction with the ring 7 pins. Then it felt like I couldn’t miss. The length but still good underlying strength of the Propulsion MXV coverstock plus the low RG earlier rolling nature plus symmetric continuity just looked like a spectacular matchup on this condition. This looks like a Mid Defined ball in the simplest sense of fitting in the bag as it’s a step down in cover from the Jackal Ghost or Onyx but still a big revving core that you’d want to use when you still need some midlane control. “Angularity” wasn’t an issue but the thing it does is really balance the motion effectively between core roll and cover read which gives it that climbing motion we’re used to seeing from say an old school Marvel Pearl. It’s probably a touch less than the Evoke Hysteria but enough to be in the same bag? I don’t know.
Power Player’s Persective
For Tyler, it looked just as good. The same roll and overall motion is exactly what I saw. The main difference is for me the ideal line is closer to the 3rd arrow and his was 4th arrow so basically more or less the track areas for our respective sides. But the motion was very comfortable, predictable and continuous, even while still generating a deceptive amount of angle. With the strength of the cover and higher differential and with open angles, I’d say you have some likelihood for corner pins missing out as this is not a “thin ball reaction, i.e., not super flippy. Additionally, misses in may not hold given the strength. But it still felt easy to throw with good room plus or minus off center.
Stroker’s Stance
For Bryan right of the gate, it looked pretty similar. He was also closer to the 3rd arrow which does push him a little deeper than other pieces, showcasing the strength of the Steel Forge. With that though comes a little sacrifice in that you can clearly see if he pushes it slightly farther to the friction, he leaves some flat corners. So for him, keeping the breakpoint in some oil or even in was the right play.
Bottom Line
Everyone saw the same roll from the Motiv Steel Forge and we all enjoyed it very much being an especially great matchup to our test pattern for Tyler and myself. The question I’m left with is what do I do with 2 balls that feel quite similar and both equally impressive in the Evoke Hysteria and Steel Forge. I think this is a question that will have to be pondered a bit more as I don’t have an immediate answer.
Thanks for watching.